Magnetic ignition system

ABSTRACT

A MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM FOR LIGHTERS OR THE LIKE WHEREIN A HORSESHOE MAGNET NORMALLY ATTRACTS AN ARMATURE AND THE LATTER IS PIVOTABLE WITH REFERENCE TO THE HORSESHOE MAGNET ABOUT AN AXIS WHICH IS EXTERNALLY ADJACENT TO THE HORSESHOE MAGNET. THE ACTUATING MEANS FOR PIVOTING THE ARMATURE AWAY FROM ABUTMENT WITH THE POLE FACES OF THE HORSESHOE MAGNET COMPRISES A YIELDABLE FORCE TRANSMITTING DEVICE WHICH STORES ENERGY IN RESPONSE TO DIRECT OR INDIRECT APPLICATION OF FORCE AND ULTIMATELY EFFECTS ABRUPT PIVOTAL MOVEMENT OF THE ARMATURE TO THUS CAUSE A SUDDEN COLLAPSE OF MAGNETIC FLUX. AN INDUCTION COIL SURROUNDS A PORTION OF THE HORSESHOE MAGNET AND IS IN CIRCUIT WITH ELECTRODES WHICH DEFINE A SPARK GAP ADJACENT TO THE BURNER OF THE LIGHTER.

Jan. 26, 1971 SH|NDLER 3,559,131

MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM Filed Nov. 15, 1968 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 I NVENTOR.HAN) saw/v 04 5 Jan. 26, 1971 H. SCHINDLER MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEM 2Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 13, 1968 MNN wAm N N NW WN wwm . INVENTOR.

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AA ,4 rrae A/E Patented Jan. 26, 1971 3,559,131 MAGNETIC IGNITION SYSTEMHans Schindler, Egelsbach, Germany, assignor to BrauuAktiengesellschaft, Frankfurt am Main, Germany Filed Nov. 13, 1968, Ser.No. 775,399 Claims priority, application Germany, Nov. 14, 1967, P 16 29894.5 Int. Cl. H011? 7/ 08 US. Cl. 335-229 19 Claims ABSTRACT OF THEDISCLOSURE A magnetic ignition system for lighters or the like wherein ahorseshoe magnet normally attracts an armature and the latter ispivotable with reference to the horseshoe magnet about an axis which isexternally adjacent to the horseshoe magnet. The actuating means forpivoting the armature away from abutment with the pole faces of thehorseshoe magnet comprises a yieldable force transmitting device whichstores energy in response to direct or indirect application of force andultimately effects abrupt pivotal movement of the armature to thus causea sudden collapse of magnetic flux. An induction coil surrounds aportion of the horseshoe magnet and is in circuit with electrodes whichdefine a spark gap adjacent to the burner of the lighter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to magneticignition systems for use in lighters, industrial burners or the like.

It is already known to employ magnetic ignition systems in lighters orlike devices wherein such systems initiate the generation of a sparkwhich ignites a stream or jet of gaseous, liquid or solid fuel. As arule, the armature of the ignition system is turnable about an axiswhich is located within the confines of the magnet. In such conventionalsystems, the armature is provided with a pivot pin which is mounted in abearing sleeve installed in the soft iron core. The parts in the justoutlined systems must be machined and assembled with a high degree ofprecision. Moreover, one pole face of the armature must be inclined withreference to the other pole face. It was found that such systems are notsuited for massproduction, mainly because the number of rejects is veryhigh.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of the present invention is toprovide a novel and improved magnetic ignition system for lighters,industrial burners and analogous uses and to construct and assemble theignition system in such a way that the manufacturing cost is but afraction of the cost of conventional magnetic ignition systems.

Another object of the invention is to provide an ignition system whichcomprises a small number of simple parts and which operates properlyeven if its parts are not machined with a high degree of precision.

A further object of the invention is to provide a magnetic ignitionsystem which can be installed and used in conventional lighters, burnersor analogous devices.

An additional object of the invention is to provide novel mounting meansfor the movable armature of a magnetic ignition system and to providenovel actuating means for the armature.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a compact ignitionsystem which can be installed in pocket type lighters as well as inlarger table lighters.

The invention is embodied in a magnetic ignition system which isparticularly suited for use in table lighters, pocket lighters oranalogous devices and comprises magnet means having a first portionwhich preferably resembles a horseshoe magnet and may include apermanent magnet and a soft iron core surrounded by an induction coiland a second portion or armature of ferromagnetic material which ispivotable between a first position in which it is attracted by the firstportion and a second position to thereby cause opening of a closedmagnetic circuit, bearing means supporting the second portion forpivotal movement about an axis which is located without (externally of)the circuit (preferably at or close to the level where the pole faces ofthe first portion abut against the pole faces of the second portion whenthe latter assumes its first position), and actuating means for movingthe second portion from first to second position. Such actuating meanspreferably comprises means which stores energy in response toapplication of a force which is necessary to effect movement of thesecond portion to second position against the attracting force of thefirst portion whereby the second portion is abruptly propelled to secondposition when the aforementioned energy storing means of the actuatingmeans stores a predetermined amount of energy and thereupon suddenlydissipates such energy.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theimproved magnetic ignition system itself, however, both as to itsconstruction and its mode of operation, together with additionalfeatures and advantages thereof, wilI be best understood upon perusal ofthe following detailed description of certain specific embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of amagnetic ignition system which embodies one form of my invention, thearmature being shown in idle position;

FIG. la is a side elevational view of the first portion of magnet meansin a slightly modified magnetic ignition system;

FIG. 1b is an end elevational view of actuating means for the armaturein the magnetic ignition system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a table lighter which embodies amagnetic ignition system similar to the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view substantially as seen in the direction ofarrows from the line III-III of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a different magneticignition system;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a magnetic ignitionsystem which constitutes a slight modification of the system shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a further magneticignition system;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a magnetic ignitionsystem which constitutes a modification of the system shown in FIG. 4;and

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary side elevational view of still another magneticignition system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates a portion ofa magnetic ignition system for use in a table lighter or the like. Thissystem comprises magnet means including a permanent magnet 10, a softiron core 11, and a pivotable armature 2. The parts 10, 11 together forma horseshoe magnet (denoted by the numeral 1) having two parallel andpreferably co planar pole faces 100, 110. The armature 2 hascomplementary pole faces 20, 21 which normally abut against the polefaces 100, 110, i.e., the magnet 1 normally attracts and holds thearmature in the first position shown in FIG. 1. The width of thearmature 12 preferably at least equals the width of the horseshoe magnetso that the pole faces 20, 21 completely overlie the pole faces 100,110.

The pivot axis for the armature 2 is located externally and laterally ofthe magnet 1, in the present instance at the outer side of the permanentmagnet and at the exact or approximate level of pole faces 100, 110.However, this is not absolutely necessary, especially if the horseshoemagnet is stepped as shown at 1A in FIG. la.

The means for pivoting the armature 2 of the ignition system comprisesan actuating member 3 which is a twoarmed lever one arm 31 of which isglued, soldered or otherwise aflixed to the armature 2. The other arm 320f the lever 3 can be pivoted in response to finger pressure which isapplied in the direction of arrow 33, either directly or through theintermediary of a motion transmitting device. A median portion of thelever 3 constitutes one element of a knife edge bearing the otherelement of which is formed by a tip on a frame member or connector 4serving to establish a rigid connection between the permanent magnet 10and core 11. The frame member can be glued to the parts 10 and 11. Atleast the second arm 32 of the lever 3 preferably consists ofelastically deformable material, i.e., it may constitute a leaf spring,and this arm normally assumes the first position shown in FIG. 1. Theelasticity of the arm 32 can be enhanced by gradually reducing itsdimensions in a manner as shown in FIG. 1b. Thus, the width of the arm32 decreases in a direction away from the pivot defined by the bearingelements 30, 40. In such ignition systems, the rigidity of the bearingelement 30 preferably exceeds substantially the rigidity of the arm 32.If the arm 32 is rigid (i.e., not elastic), the actuating member can beconstructed in a manner as shown in FIG. 4 wherein the lever 3A is rigidand the width of the arm 32A is constant. A helical spring 34 isinterposed between the arm 32A and a pressure transmitting member 34Awhich is movable in the direction indicated by arrow 33A. The first armand the bearing element of the lever 3A are respectively shown at 31Aand 30A. FIG. 4 further shows that the knife edge bearing including theelements 40, 30A is located slightly below the level of the pole face100. It is equally possible to install this bearing at a level above thepole face 100.

The bearing for the actuating lever 3 or 3A can be designed in such away that the armature 2 is mounted with at least some clearance. Thisinsures that the pole faces 20, 21 are normally held in fullsurface-to-surface abutment with the pole faces 100, 110. A stop 22(shown in FIG. 1) limits the extent of movement of the armature 2 awayfrom the pole faces 100-, 110, i.e., to a second position in which themagnetic circuit is open.

The operation of the ignition system shown in FIG. 1 is as follows:

The user applies pressure in the direction indicated by arrow 33 wherebythe elastic arm 32 of the actuating lever 3 undergoes graduallyincreasing deformation and the arm 31 urges the armature 2 away from thepole faces 100, 101. When the bias of the arm 32 overcomes theattraction between the armature 2 and horseshoe magnet 1, the armaturemoves its pole faces 20, 21 abruptly away from the pole faces 100, 110whereby the magnetic flux collapses and the armature comes to a haltwhen it reaches the stop 22. Such rapid collapse of the magnetic fluxinduces a strong secondary current in an induction coil and such currentis utilized to ignite a stream of gaseous, liquid or solid fuel.

The manner in which the ignition system of FIG. 1, can be installed in atable lighter is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This lighter has a housingincluding a cylindrical shell 200. The horseshoe magnet 201 installed inhorizontal position so that the bearing for the armature 202 is locatedat a level above the permanent magnet 210. The actuating lever is shownat 203. When the lever 203 is operated to move the pole faces of thearmature 202 away from the pole faces of the permanent magnet 210 andsoft iron core 211, the armature opens an electric switch 220 which isinstalled in the primary winding of an induction coil 221 surroundingthe core 211. A capacitor 222 is connected with the terminals of theprimary winding of the coil 221. One terminal of the primary winding,one plate of the capacitor 222, and one terminal of the secondarywinding of the induction coil 221 are connected to the ground. The otherterminal of the secondary winding is connected with a conductor 223 andby way of this conductor with one electrode 224 of an igniter forgaseous fuel. The other electrode 225 of the igniter is grounded and theelectrodes 224, 225 define a spark gap shown in FIG. 2.

The burner 226 is located at a level directly below the spark gapbetween the electrodes 224, 225 and its valve can be opened by a lever227 which receives motion from a further lever 228. The latter isactuated by a manually depressible knob 229 by way of a roller follower230. The lever 228 can pivot the elastic arm of the actuating lever 203by way of a pin 231. The knob 229 is pivotally secured to the shell 200,as at 232. The system of levers 228, 227, 203 is installed in such a waythat the knob 229 offers a gradually decreasing resistance to pivotalmovement from its normal idle position.

When the lever 227 opens the valve of the burner 226 and the electrodes224, 225 produce a spark which ignites the jet of fuel issuing from theburner 226, the resulting flame 233 passes through an annular flue 234in the top wall 235 of the lighter housing. The numeral 236 denotes avalve by way of which fresh fuel can be introduced into the tank 237.

It is clear that the table lighter of FIGS. 2 and 3 constitutes but oneof several devices or apparatus which can embody the magnetic ignitionsystem of the present invention. Thus, the ignition system can beincorporated with equal advantage in pocket lighters as well as inburners of industrial or other fuel burning apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows an ignition system wherein the end portion 40A of the framemember 4A forms a trough for a cylindrical or barrel-shaped rollingelement 5 which defines a pivot axis for the bearing element 30 of theactuating lever 3. Otherwise, the construction of this system is thesame as that of the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 1b. The rolling element5 can be installed with at least some freedom of movement in thelongitudinal direction of the permanent magnet 10. This can be achievedby suitable configuration of the bearing element 30.

The ignition system of FIG. 6 comprises a bearing including a hingewhich couples the frame member 4B with the actuating lever 3B. The upperend of the frame member 4B comprises two bifurcated arms 41 havingelongated open slots 411 for a pintle 50 which defines a pivot axis fora bearing element 36 on the actuating lever 3B. The latter is preferablyrigid and its arm 32B can be pivoted in the same way as described inconnection with FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 shows a system which is substantially identical with that of FIG.4. The sole difference is that the helical spring 34 is replaced by apneumatic cylinder and piston assembly 35. The piston rod of thisassembly is coupled to the arm 32A and the cylinder can be moved in thedirection indicated by arrow 33A. It is clear that the spring 34 or thecylinder and piston assembly 35 can be replaced by a package of dishedsprings, by one or more elastic washers or analogous yieldable forcetransmitting means.

Referring finally to FIG. 8, there is shown a second type of hinge whichconnects the armature 2 to the horseshoe magnet 1. The actuating meanscomprises a helical pull spring 34D which is directly attached to thearmature 2 at a point remote from the pivot axis and can be pulled inthe direction indicated by arrow 33D to thereby abruptly move the polefaces of the armature away from the pole faces on the horseshoemagnet 1. The frame member 4D has two hooked sockets 42 cooperating witha similar hooked socket 61 on a frame member 6 which is glued to thearmature 2. The sockets 42, 61 accommodate a pintle 62 which defines thepivot axis for the armature 2. It is clear that the actuating means 34Dof FIG. 8 can be replaced by a lever such as the lever 3 of FIGS. 1 and1b.

An important advantage of the improved ignition system is that itoccupies very little room despite the fact that the bearing means forthe armature is located without the confines of the magnet means. Thisis of particular importance in pocket lighters as well as in many typesof industrial fuel burning apparatus. Another important advantage of theignition system is that the bearing for the armature is exceptionallysimple and inexpensive and that such bearing permits fullsurface-to-surface abutment between the pole faces of the armature andthe pole faces of the horseshoe magnet even if the bearing is notproduced and finished with a high degree of precision.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featureswhich fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic andspecific aspects of my contribution to the art.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent isset forth in the appended claims:

1. In 'a magnetic ignition system, particularly for lighters or thelike, a combination comprising magnet means having a first portion and asecond portion pivotable with reference to said first portion between afirst position in which it is attracted to said first portion and themagnet means defines a substantially closed circuit for magnetic fluxand a second position in which said circuit is open; bearing meansmounting said second portion for movement about a pivot axis locatedwithout said magnet means; and actuating means for moving said secondportion from first to second position against the attracting force ofsaid first portion, while said attracting force is maintained, at leasta portion of said actuating means being constructed to store energy inresponse to application of force in a direction to move said secondportion to second position to ultimately eifect abrupt pivotal movementof said second portion to thus cause sudden collapse of said magneticflux, said actuating means forming the only means for moving said secondportion to said second position.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portioncomprises two pole faces and said second portion overlies said polefaces in the first position thereof.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first and secondportions have pole faces which abut against each other in the firstposition of said second portion and wherein said pivot axis is locatedsubstantially at the level of said pole faces.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1 wherein said bearing meanscomprises a knife edge bearing.

5. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing meanscomprises a roller which defines said pivot axis.

6. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means isarranged to mount said second portion with at least some freedom ofmovement with reference to said pivot axis.

7. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating meanscomprises a two-armed lever one arm of which is secured to said secondportion and the other arm of which is arranged to moved said secondportion from first to second position in response to application of aforce \which tends to pivot the lever about said axis, said leverfurther comprising a bearing element located intermediate said armsthereof and forming part of said bearing means.

8. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said bearing meansfurther comprises a second bearing element provided on said firstportion and cooperating with said first mentioned bearing element topermit pivotal movement of said lever about said axis.

9. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein said actuating meansfurther comprises means for transmitting force to said other arm.

10. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein at least said other armof said lever constitutes a leaf spring.

11. A combination as defined in claim 7, wherein the cross-sectionalarea of said other arm dimnishes in a direction away from said pivotaxis.

12. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing meanscomprises elements which are adhesively secured to the portions of saidmagnet means.

13. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating meanscomprises a pull spring which is directly coupled with said secondportion.

14. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating meanscomprises yieldable force transmitting means.

15. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion is ahorseshoe magnet.

16. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portion is ahorseshoe magnet having two parallel pole faces and said second portionis an armature having two parallel pole faces which abut against saidfirst-mentioned pole faces in the first position of said armature.

17. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said first portioncomprises a permanent magnet and a soft iron core.

18. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein said bearing means isadjacent to the region where the second portion abuts against said firstportion in the first posir tion thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,124,796 1/1915 Pape 335-276X2,491,098 12/1949 Field 335-234X 2,536,244 1/1951 Willing et al. 3352302,591,773 4/1952 Blanchet 335-276 2,952,801 9/1960 Hyink 335276X3,161,806 12/1964 Gordon 335-230X GEORGE HARRIS, Primary Examiner US.Cl. X.R.

